Color Pencil Illustrations for Shopping Center in Grass Valley, California
Here are two color perspective renderings I did earlier this year for Siteline Architecture of Nevada City, California….I have done a few illustrations for Siteline over the years, and it was good to work with them again on this project….The subject of these renderings is an existing shopping center in Grass Valley which will be revised and updated per the designs of Siteline….who in turn is commissioned by the property manager of the shopping center, Mesa Management of Newport Beach, California….So as a freelance consultant, I primarily worked with Cort Ensign of Mesa Management, and Christopher Gage of Siteline Architecture….As is fairly common, these illustrations were done over a long weekend, basically….Due to a highly-anticipated meeting on Tuesday of the following week, I was given the go-ahead on the previous Friday morning….I start by adding landscaping, trees, cars and people of my own design, then tracing all with a freehand line work in felt pen….Then I print these two black and white drawings on heavy stock, and apply color pencil and chalk pastel, building up the values and color saturation until they are finished….I scan the renderings on an 11 x 17 color scanner, and save the scan files at a high resolution….I send these scans via email–and Voila ! I generally keep the originals, since the client usually does not need them…..The scan files can then be included in the client’s digital presentation, or printed as a handout for their meeting….What we are showing in these illustrations are the modifications to the existing storefronts, and the trees and landscaping proposed by the landscape architect, Karin Kaufman of Nevada City, California….
The mood of the architecture is kind of “Gold Country Industrial”….and that’s my description, but I think it projects a definite modern industrial feel, while achieving the objectives of greater height and curb presence as seen from the street, and the approach on foot….Jeffrey Michael George works with many architects in California and worldwide to bring their designs to life in form of architectural renderings….clicking on any of these images will take you to Jeffrey’s website, where you will see many more examples of his work….
Three Watercolor Renderings for Project in Kauai, Hawaii
Last month I created these three watercolor illustrations for a project located on the island of Kauai, Hawaii….The site is the existing Mahelona Medical Center near Wailua, Kauai on the east coast of the island….On some of the vacant land available at the facility, the medical center is considering building more housing and commercial space for the community….My client was the architect: Van Meter Williams Pollack of San Francisco, California….Rick Williams was the designer, and Rick proposed three ways of developing the site….
The first scheme was the “Main Street” concept (shown first here) which would create a new 2-story Town Center with commercial retail businesses on the ground floor, and private offices on the second floor….Pushed out toward the street, the building would be conspicuous and convenient with parking, bike access, and bus transit part of the scheme….The second image shown here represents the “Village Green” concept, which pushes the buildings back from the street, playing a supporting role to the generous open green space for maximum public use and involvement….an active space for active local Hawaiians enjoying the outdoors….Lots of lawn, walkways, arbors, benches with room for walkers, cyclists, dogs, and bus riders….
The last scheme was entitled “The Bluff”, and the concept was to feature the magnificent vista from this spot (see Image #3 below)….With long-term care in the immediate foreground, one can look at the ocean through a public park which leads down towards the ocean….Again, activity and greenery, with walking paths leading to an amphitheater in the distance….As the artist and creator of these watercolor illustrations, I used fresh, clean tropical colors–with the building colors chosen by the architect to blend with the landscape….As suggested by the architect, the architectural design style was “traditional Hawaiian”–simple, conventional geometry with green metal hip roofs, with some cupola elements as seen historically on the Islands….I hope you enjoyed these illustrations–and you can always see many more examples of my work by searching Jeffrey Michael George, Architectural Illustration, or visiting my website at https://finearchitecturalillustration.com
Architectural Renderings for Mill Valley, California Residential Project
I’ve been doing some different things lately in illustrations….I think at times one needs to respond to changes in the industry–and changes to what is asked of you as a consultant….So in the spirit of collaboration and in response to a request from a very good client, I have now done a series of images which are not entirely drawn by hand….
They are photo montages, wherein the conceptualized building design is drawn by me in perspective–then merged digitally with a photograph of the existing site and context….using Photoshop….The end result is kind of interesting–and I think it works well for this purpose, which at this point is to give the neighboring residents options and to get some feedback from those living nearby….The architect, Rick Williams of VMWP Architects in San Francisco, conceived of two different design schemes to meet the requirements put forth by his client, an affordable housing company….The site is very challenging in that there is a very steep slope to it….it’s basically a triangular site that drops precipitously from one edge to the other….The silver lining is that the existing residential neighborhood is located above the high side of the site, so if the new building is limited to two or three stories, the neighbor will only see a little bit of the new building….some roof, some building, but not much, really….Some clever placement and massing by the architect results in a much less impactful project….And since the design is in its initial stages, these photo montages serve very well to convey these conceptual ideas for a building without too much fanfare or detail–just a concept….giving the public options and input….If you have a development project that could benefit from this type of presentation, you should think about this approach–because it strikes that difficult balance between what an existing neighborhood wants, and what the developer wants to build !
Color Architectural Renderings in Twilight
Architectural Renderings that portray twilight lighting are both fun to do, and challenging….The stock in trade of most architectural renderings are the strong shades and shadows that are created by sunlight from above….At twilight, the sun-if it’s present at all-is near or below the horizon, which limits its effect on architectural forms…..
And what takes its place are the other light sources, such as backlighting, interior lighting, lampposts, signage-all kinds of secondary forms of light that begin to give form to the subject building….As an illustrator, this can actually be somewhat liberating because you’re no longer confined to the very predictable effects of sunlight on the building….You can think and act more like a photographer, placing the light where you want it, to accentuate certain elements or features of the architecture and surroundings….For example with a daylight rendering of a building, you may want to draw attention to the entrance, and the best way to do that would be to use the darkest values and the greatest contrast in that area-so it pops and becomes a focus….In a twilight or night view the main building might be fairly dark and monotone, but you will reserve the brightest and maybe the most colorful hues for your treatment of the entry, so the eye goes there first….Another example of how daylight and twilight renderings differ would be this….When drawing a daylight rendering, the illustrator often chooses to light one side of the building with sunlight, leaving the other side as the dark side….Once you’ve made that decision as the artist, it’s difficult to say too much of anything about the dark side or any special feature it may have….Great for playing up the sunlit side, not so good for the darker side….When creating a twilight view of a building, you can always take the liberty of casting light from other sources anywhere you may want them, in order to create focus on specific details you choose…..Enjoy these twilight renderings I have drawn or painted recently for my architectural clients !
Watercolor Painting of Philip Johnson’s Glass House
Here’s a watercolor I just finished….It’s my rendition of Philip Johnson’s Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut. Built in the 1949 it is the quintessential glass box–architecture pared down to its simplest modern essence. A metal and glass rectangle–the only privacy concession is a circular brick element within which houses a bathroom. 
Pretty crazy stuff–but I love it ! Imagine living there with the trees, grass and nature on full display just outside the glass–the peaceful nature always right there seemingly at arm’s length ! There’s something both shocking and inspiring about this pure and simple structure. You can hear people say: “I couldn’t live in that fishbowl !” “Natural light and lots of glass–I love that part, but totally impractical to live in”….Why not ? I guess that’s the architect and purist in me–I don’t see a big problem. I love it, and I could imagine myself being very happy living there….This is one of my favorite works of art….It’s one of a dozen or so architectural works that are most inspiring to me–and were very formative in my early passions for architecture….The watercolor painting was fun to do also….it’s a simple palette: Cadmium Yellow, Ultramarine, Burnt Siena, and Black….That’s it ! I chose to backlight the house because it shows off the transparency and the oneness with nature. Dappled light from the surrounding trees and s few white highlights here and there to accentuate the geometric clarity of the metal-framed box. The glass has some transparent and some reflective qualities, but is largely neutral. Kind of a meditative mood about it–it’s a peaceful and quiet architectural thought put into reality by the architect. I’m not a huge Philip Johnson fan, but with this particular house, I think he nailed it….for me, the best work he ever did….Thanks for reading this–and for enjoying the watercolor !
Color Renderings of Cottages and Small Houses
Of the subjects that I love to draw, small houses and cottages are right up there at the top….They can be charming–architecturally and in all other ways….Small, unpretentious, but with personality and style would describe most….
These illustrations shown here were all commissioned by good clients of mine, mostly architects, but also by owners and developers….The design of the homes is almost always provided to me in for form of plans and elevations….I take that information and translate it into a 3D perspective view like you see here….The colors and materials are usually given to me as well, but occasionally I am given artistic license with those decisions….Paint and color can be a critical factor in the overall success of each image….and usually these images are marketing tools, so this makes color even more important….I believe these cottage designs benefit from a strong color scheme–bright colors, contrasting trim colors, landscaping to soften, materials that are comforting and accessible, details that provide interest without being elaborate….Craftsman Style is a popular choice among most people….it seems to capture a good architectural vibe, and has a familiar feel for most West Coast homeowners….My understanding is that the Craftsman aesthetic has its origins in the early 20th Century with the design work of Bernard Maybeck of the Berkeley, California area, and to a certain extent, the early work of Frank Lloyd Wright in the Midwest….One hundred years later, its popularity remains strong….I think part of its appeal is that it is straightforward and simple, but retains an element of style–modest, but with a little something special about it….Front porches are an important element, because they invite entry, and promote social interaction….Roof slopes are not steep, but nearly flat, since they are not in a snowy area–enough slope to shed the rain is sufficient….The great majority of the renderings shown here were commissioned by Carol Young of Auburn, California for her project Rincon del Rio….Since I enjoy drawing these homes and cottages so much, you should consider commissioning me to draw some of your designs….
Color Renderings for San Jose Architectural Firm
Today I am featuring some of the many renderings I have done in recent years for VTBS Architects located in San Jose, California….Most of these architectural projects are in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, with the occasional Sacramento project location….
Working in the techniques of watercolor or color pencil alternatively, these illustrations usually show large residential structures designed by VTBS staff….I always work with Jim Yee, an architect who has many years of expertise in the design field….I first met Jim over 30 years ago in the San Jose area, and we have been working together on a freelance basis ever since that time….He has an appreciation for the effectiveness of hand-drawn illustrations when presenting architecture….Jim has a way of allowing his consultants the freedom of autonomy, but offers input at the right time and in the right way, which benefits the process and enhances the rendering’s effectiveness ultimately….You have to be able to “do your own thing” as a freelance artist, but you also need reviews and approvals during the process at various stages by the architect….That way, the architect gets what they need as a presentation tool, and the artist is pretty much free to express the qualities of sunlight, liveliness, color, texture and materials that make a successful rendering….Shadow lines, dark recessed areas, lighter sunlit faces, canopies and awnings, base materials, glass reflective qualities, and even details like score lines and joint lines are all important to include in an illustration….These are the elements and considerations that an architect spends a lot of time and effort to include….and they need to be conveyed effectively in the rendering to truly communicate all the work that the architect has done….I’ve learned the importance of these graphic communications over the years of creating architectural illustrations–actually I began learning their importance at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo when I was receiving my degree in Architecture many years ago….I feel like we speak the same language–architects and illustrators–we just do different things during the course of our work day to day….
Color Perspective Renderings for San Francisco Architectural Projects
Aaaah–San Francisco….Home Sweet Home ! Such a wonderful place with such natural beauty ! Today I’m going to feature many of the illustrations I have done in recent years of architectural projects in and around San Francisco, California….
In fact all of these renderings were commissioned by one architectural firm located in San Francisco, Van Meter Williams Pollack LLP….Usually working directly with Rick Williams, one the principals of the firm, I have actually worked with Tim Van Meter and Fred Pollack, the other two principals….Van Meter runs the VMWP office in Denver, Colorado, which I visited in 2014….Their architectural work is mostly of an urban nature, from single-story to multi-story residential, located either in the urban centers, or occasionally outside in more suburban locations…..VMWP partners with affordable housing organizations to create residential projects that provide much-needed housing for low-income families and seniors with home insecurity….Sometimes the purpose of these drawings is to communicate the design to the client, and other times their purpose is to show the governing authority (City, County, etc.) the aspects of the design that may not be adequately expressed by the plans and elevations that the architect provides….One of the great attributes of perspective renderings is that they engage the viewer on a much more basic level….This is primarily because perspective views are a lot like the actual experience someone has when looking at architecture….most often you see a building from the sidewalk, or from across the street, or while driving your car or bicycle….Although plans and elevations are great tools for the architect to generate, they are not very useful or inspiring for the client or the public….The next time you are presenting a project, you should think about arriving with some colorful perspective illustrations that will bring out the “ooohs and aaahs” from the crowd….and get them excited about all the hard work you’ve put into your design !
Architectural Renderings for California Central Valley
Within the last year or two I have had the opportunity to work on several architectural projects located in the Central Valley of California. I am featuring these renderings in this episode of my blog. They involve the California communities of Visalia, Bakersfield, and Sanger (Fresno area). The first rendering shown here is an exterior view of a new commercial building located in the Sanger downtown area on a major street. 
I was commissioned by the architect, Frank Areyano. Frank’s concept was to create a modern facility that would fit in with the older, traditional streetscape of Sanger–such as the existing building shown on the right in the rendering. The second project shown here is a homeless community proposed for Visalia, California. Envisioned by an organization called Salt & Light, this housing facility was designed with the help of Self-Help Enterprises of Visalia, California. As shown here, I created two perspective views of the design–one indicating the Central Park area, a common area within the facility for open space and recreation, and another view of the Memorial Garden within the facility, which would honor those in the community who had passed away. The project would be made up of manufactured residential structures that could be transported to the site more or less intact, and permanently installed along interior roads within the complex. 
The third project for which I did illustrations was also addressing the homeless population. Located in an industrial part of Bakersfield, the site would provide temporary housing and support services for people in the area experiencing homelessness. I was commissioned by Bruce E. Keith, Architect of Bakersfield, California who was working with members of an organization involved with helping to solve the homeless situation in the Bakersfield area. As mentioned in the beginning of this article, I, Jeffrey Michael George, Architectural Illustrator, have welcomed the opportunity to be involved in these projects for the benefit of the Central Valley communities of California.
Watercolor Sketch of Future Architectural Towers
Here is a sketch I did this afternoon just for fun….kind of an architectural fantasy of sorts….mostly done subconsciously….I forced myself to draw and paint without any preconceptions on this one….basically just start drawing and see what becomes of it….it’s small–at 5″ x 8″ on a watercolor tablet….two hours start to finish….keep moving–don’t think–just paint….force yourself to start without a plan, then make all decisions on the fly–implementing them immediately, without evaluation or second-guessing….colors, shapes, composition–all instantaneous decisions….keep a dry paper towel handy modify the live work in front of you….graphite sketch first with some texture, some darker tones to get the composition somewhat set (most of this is painted over although some shows through in the end)….Limited palette, using just orange, violet, pthallo green, manganese, and black….Architecturally, these are towers linked together–sort of “It Takes A Village” in architectural terms…..Structurally, the difficulty of building tall buildings is keeping them strong and upright and stable….but if they have help from others through buttressing and triangulation, they can get much stronger–so the towers work together to create a structural network–a network that could also provide a means of circulation–going from one tower to the next….Another thought expressed here in this painting–and I believe it to be futuristic–that future existence and urbanization will be more concentrated and focused, with less urban sprawl….Think of it as a smaller footprint on the earth….We leave much more of the land untouched by going vertical with towers springing from a very small footprint….and we need to travel or commute less, because everything is right where we live….Idealistic ? Yes ! Unrealistic ? I don’t know–it could happen….It’s more of a rough concept–like a goal to strive for, maybe….I can’t help but think it would be better than the mindless sprawl we have now, which only seems to stop if we run out of physical space to ruin….Like all great things, it will take people working together toward a common goal….
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